Apple butter makes an instant glaze for pork chops when it is balanced with Dijon mustard, cider vinegar and savory sage.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup apple butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
How to Make Apple Butter Glazed Pork Chops with Sage
- Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side and 2 to 4 minutes on the second, until browned. Transfer to a plate before it is fully finished.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter and shallot. Cook for 1 minute. Add broth and scrape up the browned bits.
- Whisk in apple butter, Dijon, vinegar and sage. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Return the pork to the skillet and turn to coat in the glaze. Cook until the thickest part reaches 145°F, then remove from the heat and rest the chops for at least 3 minutes before serving.
Food safety: Cook whole-muscle pork to 145°F and rest at least 3 minutes before slicing or serving.
Recipe Tips
- Choose chops of similar thickness so they finish at the same time.
- Do not judge pork doneness by color alone; use an instant-read thermometer.
- Unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple butter gives the glaze the best balance.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate in the glaze for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes. Bone-in chops may need several extra minutes depending on thickness; use the same 145°F target and 3-minute rest.
Can I substitute applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce works in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner and less concentrated than with apple butter.
Yummy Original recipe developed for Yummy.info.
